Modern Drama, originally issued on Columbia in ’87, was a pivotal recording for Jane Ira Bloom, as it debuted her use of live electronics to augment her sumptuous soprano saxophone sound. She also expanded her ensemble palette as well; in addition to pianist Fred Hersch (doubling on B-3), bassist Ratzo Harris (doubling on electric), and drummer Tom Rainey, she strategically added David Friedman’s mallet instruments, Isidro Bobadilla’s percussion, and Andy Seligson’s tuba, throughout the program. Her writing is strong, particularly on ballads like the poignant “More Than Sinatra,” and her playing is assured. Even the electronics have stood up well over the years. All in all, a most welcomed reissue-too bad Koch didn’t include Nat Hentoff’s original notes, and omitted Rainey in the line-up.
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